One of the main features on this site since it started was a payroll tracker, which took a look at the 40-man payroll projection after every move. You can find the 2017 version here.

That feature was added because it seems like every single discussion about the Pirates online eventually discusses payroll in some form. That makes sense, as the small market restraints on the Pirates make the topic of payroll a much bigger issue than it would be for the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Yankees. Then you've got the "Nutting is Cheap" crowd that interjects that view into every conversation, often to comical lengths.

Not everyone who questions whether the Pirates should spend more is in that crowd (although if you constantly make jokes about S...

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Tim is the owner and editor in chief of Pirates Prospects. He started the site in January 2009, and turned it into his full time job during the 2011 season. Prior to starting Pirates Prospects, Tim worked with AccuScore.com, providing MLB, NHL, and NFL coverage to various national media outlets, including ESPN Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and the Wall Street Journal. He also writes the annual Prospect Guide, which is sold through the site. Tim lives in Bradenton, where he provides live coverage all year of Spring Training, mini camp, instructs, the Bradenton Marauders, and the GCL Pirates.